Think back on the good memories that you have during the holidays of the ones that you have lost. What were some of the traditions or things that they did to make the holidays special for everyone? My Papaw never was one to say much during the holidays especially Christmas time because he had a lot of bad memories himself growing up during them. However, he always made sure along with my Mamaw that their children had a Christmas, and when their grandchildren started coming along I believe it made him enjoy the holidays more. I can remember when my mother and I moved back home to live with them for a little while. On Christmas morning I remember waking up to hearing stomping in the hallway with a couple of "Ho Ho Hos" before hearing the basement door slam shut. Years later I found out that who I thought was Santa Claus that Christmas morning turned out to be my Papaw who wanted to make sure I had one of the best Christmas' I'd ever had. It's one of the many memories I will always remember. Even though thinking of these precious memories may get you a little teary eyed and make you miss them, it also will warm your heart and make you smile.
Another thing I remember about the holidays with my grandparents is food. My Mamaw loved Thanksgiving and Christmas time because she got to cook and my Papaw did because he loved to eat. One thing that my Papaw loved was a good Cherry Pie, a taste that I've developed a love for as well. My Papaw had his last birthday in December before Christmas and lived to be 91, and he still was able to have one more last slice of his beloved cherry pie. That's why I always have to have a least a slice of cherry pie around this time every year in his honor. Trust me, I smile every time I take a bite and think of him. When I go home for my family Christmas dinner this year, I will take home a Cherry Pie, and I guarantee that my family will take one glance at it and automatically think of him. By taking something as simple as a food dish that was a favorite of one you've lost, can bring back so many memories of them. So whatever it may be, buy it or prepare it, and have it in their honor. Although they may not be there with you physically, you can honor them and take comfort in knowing that they're looking down and smiling that you're still having their favorite dish at the table.
At a young age my Mamaw (who was an amazing woman of many talents) began to show me how to sew and crochet. She made many quilts, place mats, blankets, dolls, clothes and rugs just to name a few. Anything you wanted she could do it. In fact, she made many things to help pay her children through school. It wasn't until later as I grew older that I realized how blessed I was to have been taught a dying art. I'm beyond thankful to have watched her hands while she showed me a simple chain stitch in crochet, and for her patience when I would get my thread knotted up when trying to sew together the colored square pieces of material of a nine-patch quilt. One thing that my Mamaw loved was making gifts and giving them. She made so many things for my cousins and I for Christmas, and thankfully my mother has kept them. She always loved to crochet washcloths, dishcloths and pot holders. That's why this year I have decided to bring out my Mamaw's talents that she passed down to me and do the same for the ones I love. After all, gifts that come from the heart of someone mean so much more than any gift that you can buy from the store simply because of the time and effort that you've put into the gift. This is something that you all can do as well. It doesn't necessarily have to be crafty. Anything that your loved one was known to gift to others would do just fine. Continue their gift giving so to speak.
The Holidays are such a special time, one to rejoice and be thankful for what you have and for the ones you have around you. Just because someone is gone physically, doesn't mean that they're not there. So have a drink in their honor, gather around the table with your families and share the great memories of the past while you make new ones. After all, the ones you've lost wouldn't want you to be miserable during the holidays. Remember them, and let them continue to live and be known through you.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
